JP2005266244A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which the replacement and the maintenance of a component and an element at a spot related to forming an abnormal image are facilitated by reading a recorded image and easily specifying the component and the element at the periodical abnormality spot related to forming the abnormal image. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is constituted of an image forming part 1 forming a recorded image on a medium to be recorded (P) using recording data, a recorded image reading means 2 for reading the recorded image formed on the medium (P) by the image forming part 1, and a spot-state abnormal data periodicity presence discrimination means 3 discriminating the presence of the periodicity of the abnormal data in a spot state detected by comparing read data read by the image reading means 2 with the recorded data formed on the medium (P) by the image forming part 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more specifically, an inkjet printer such as a printing apparatus that reads a recorded image formed on a recording medium to form a recorded image, a copying machine that forms a recorded image of toner by an electrophotographic method, The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a printer, or a complex machine of these.

Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses, various proposals have been made for re-reading a recorded image formed on a recording medium, thereby judging abnormalities in the recorded image, and resetting the recording conditions and adjusting the color balance. Has been.
When the operation mode is switched from the normal recording mode to the self-diagnosis mode, the recording image information corresponding to the test pattern image stored in the image memory is output to the optical writing unit controller, and the test pattern image is recorded on the recording paper. The image on the recording paper is read by the scanner unit, and the scanner unit control unit accumulates line reading signals from the scanner unit to generate read image information, and compares the read image information in the image memory with the recorded image information. The image recorded on the recording paper is determined by determining whether or not there is a mismatch between the read image information and the recorded image information, and when the mismatch is detected, the recording condition for the recording paper is set. It is known to accurately detect various defects and automatically adjust various recording conditions so that the image defects can be removed ( See Patent Document 1).
An image reading unit is provided in a path through which both the sheet supplied from the inserter and the printed sheet pass, and an image of the original sheet as a copy original placed on the inserter and an image of the printed sheet are read. The image formation by the printer is automatically field-back corrected so that the printed sheet approaches the image on the original sheet by comparing the image of the image and the image of the sheet after printing. It is also known to automatically correct image formation so as to maintain the image quality of the printed material (see Patent Document 2).

The reading unit includes a mirror for securing an optical path for reading an original and a drive unit for moving the mirror to change the optical path. At the same time as the test pattern is printed on the recording paper, the reading unit reading the test pattern, so as to transmit the result to the service center, even without the maintenance personnel to the location of the installed user of the facsimile machine is going, to be able to test the recording system and reading system at the same time It is also known that adjustment can be automatically performed without a jig required for adjustment of a reading system (see Patent Document 3).
Since print reads image data of a document, when to read the print image data is compared to the previous image data is adjusted color balance, this time, specify the desired position of the image data that has been read input Then, since the image data at the desired position is compared and the color balance is adjusted, there is also a technique for adjusting the color balance so that the color desired by the user is accurately reproduced and the color desired by the user is reproduced well. known (see Patent Document 4).
However, even if the recorded image on the printed matter is re-read and the abnormality of the recorded image is determined, the element related to image formation cannot be specified in the abnormal image.
For example, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, the cause or location of an abnormal image includes toner spillage from a streaky periodic developer, toner spillage from a cleaning device, or spot-like Since it is not easy to identify a rotating body involved in periodic image formation, it is not easy to replace or maintain parts.
Therefore, even if the conventional image forming apparatus reads the recorded image, it is not easy to identify the parts and elements at the location related to the abnormal image formation. There was a problem that replacement and maintenance could not be performed easily.
JP 11-109807 discloses Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-103885 JP-A-6-37961 JP-A-8-265586

Since the conventional image forming apparatus cannot easily identify the parts and elements related to the abnormal image formation even when the recorded image is read, the parts and elements related to the abnormal image formation can be identified. There was a problem that it was not possible to easily exchange or maintain.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve such problems. That is, by reading the recorded image, the parts and elements of the abnormal point with a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image to easily identify, facilitate the exchange and Menten'nansu parts or elements of the locations involved in the formation of an abnormal image An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform the above-described process.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus that reads a recorded image formed on a recording medium to form an image, and records the recorded image on the recording medium based on the recording data. An image forming unit to be formed, a recorded image reading unit that reads a recorded image formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit, and the read data read by the recorded image reading unit and the recorded data Spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence determining means for determining presence / absence of periodicity of abnormal data.
Alternatively, the present invention described in claim 2 is mainly the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of rotating bodies having different rotating outer diameters. and it features.
Alternatively, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the image forming unit is an image forming apparatus that forms a toner recording image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method. It is a major feature.
Alternatively, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the image forming unit that forms the toner recording image on the recording medium by the electrophotographic method is rotatably held. The main feature of the present invention is that the image forming apparatus is composed of an image carrier that carries a recorded image of the toner that is formed in this manner and a plurality of other rotating members that are different from the outer diameter of the image carrier.

Alternatively, the present invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating body is an image forming apparatus including rotating bodies having different outer diameters. Features.
Alternatively, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the other rotating body is a developing roller of a developing unit that develops a latent image. It is a major feature.
Alternatively, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the other rotating body is a charging roller of a charging means for charging. Main features.
Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh aspect of the present invention, the other rotating body is a transfer roller of a transfer unit that transfers a recorded image of toner. Alternatively, the main feature is that the image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt.
Or, the invention of claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, other turning to the rotating body includes a fixing roller of a fixing unit for fixing the toner image Alternatively, the main feature is that the image forming apparatus includes a fixing belt.
Or, of the present invention according to claim 10, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 4,5,6,7,8 or 9, other rotation to the rotating body is conveying means for conveying a recording medium The main feature is that the image forming apparatus comprises a conveying belt or a conveying roller.

Alternatively, in the present invention described in claim 11, in the image forming apparatus described in claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, the other rotating body is a recording start of the recording medium. The main feature is that the image forming apparatus is composed of registration rollers for aligning points.
Or, the present invention according to claim 12, in an image forming apparatus according to claim 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, other rotating to rotating member includes a drive roller for driving The main feature is that the image forming apparatus comprises:
Or, the invention of claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 or 12, other rotation to the rotating body is driven The main feature is that the image forming apparatus includes a driven roller.
Or, the invention of claim 14 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 or 13, other rotation to the rotating body is The main feature is that the image forming apparatus includes a tension roller that applies tension.
Alternatively, according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the recording medium on which the recording image is formed by the image forming unit is read by the reading position of the document image reading unit. The main feature is that the image forming apparatus is provided with recording medium conveyance guide means for conveying the recording medium.
Alternatively, in the present invention described in claim 16, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 15, the recording medium conveyance guide unit selectively selects a recording medium on which a recording image is formed with the recording data of the image forming unit. The main feature is that the image forming apparatus guides and conveys it to the reading section of the document image reading means.

Alternatively, according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, wherein the recording medium conveyance guide means includes a switching claw that selectively switches the conveyance direction of the recording medium. The main feature is that it is a device.
Alternatively, according to the present invention described in claim 18, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence determining means includes a plurality of sheets to be recorded by the recorded image reading means. Image formation for determining the presence or absence of periodicity of spot-like abnormal data detected by comparing the read data read as a pseudo long recording medium with the recording data formed on the recording medium by the image forming unit The main feature is that it is a device.
Alternatively, according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence discriminating means is held in an abnormal and rotatable manner. The main feature of the image forming apparatus is an image carrier that carries a toner image that is formed in this manner and an image forming apparatus that displays a warning for each of the other rotating members.
Alternatively, according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence determining means is held so as to be rotatable with an abnormality. An image forming apparatus that displays a warning on an image carrier that carries a toner image to be formed or a process cartridge that has other rotating bodies that rotate.
Or, the invention of claim 21 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 19, the process cartridge is mainly characterized in that an image forming apparatus is detachable.

Since the present invention is configured as described below, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily read parts and elements of periodic abnormal parts related to formation of abnormal images by reading a recorded image. identified and, has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus which can easily perform replacement and Menten'nansu parts or elements of the locations involved in the formation of an abnormal image.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a recorded image is read, and a plurality of parts and elements having a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image are easily specified, and a plurality of parts related to the formation of the abnormal image are identified. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which parts and elements can be easily replaced and maintained.
According to the invention of claim 3, by reading a recorded image, it is possible to easily identify a part or element at a periodic part related to the formation of an abnormal image, and to identify a part or part of a part related to the formation of an abnormal image. to be able to exchange and Menten'nansu easily, it has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus for forming a high-quality image at high speed.
According to the invention of claim 4, it is easy to determine the image carrier that is most likely to cause the abnormal image of the abnormal part having the periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image, and to identify the abnormal image easily. It is possible to easily replace and maintain the image carrier involved in the formation, and to provide an image forming apparatus that forms a high-quality image at high speed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine another rotating body having a periodic abnormality related to the formation of an abnormal image, and to easily and reliably identify the other rotating body. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily exchanging and maintaining a rotating rotating body and forming a high-quality image at high speed.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine the developing roller of the developing means for developing the latent image having the periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image, and it is easily and reliably specified to form the abnormal image. The development roller for developing the latent image concerned can be easily replaced and maintained, and an image forming apparatus for forming a high-quality image at high speed can be provided.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine the charging roller of the charging means for charging the abnormal part having periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image easily and reliably, and the charge related to the formation of the abnormal image is charged. the exchange and Menten'nansu of the charging roller of the charging means can be performed easily, has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus for forming a high-quality image at high speed.
According to the invention of claim 8, the determination of the transfer roller or the transfer belt of the transfer means for transferring the recording image of the toner having a periodicity relating to the formation of the abnormal image is easily performed, and can be easily and reliably specified. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily replacing and maintaining a transfer roller or a transfer belt of a transfer means for transferring a recorded image of toner involved in abnormal image formation, and forming a high-quality image at high speed. It came to be.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine the fixing roller or the fixing belt of the fixing means for fixing the toner image at the abnormal portion having the periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image, so that the abnormal image can be easily and reliably identified. In order to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily replacing and maintaining the fixing roller or fixing belt of the fixing means for fixing the toner image related to the formation of the toner image and forming a high-quality image at high speed. became.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine the conveyance belt or the conveyance roller of the conveyance means for conveying the recording medium having a periodic abnormality related to the formation of the abnormal image, and to easily identify the abnormality. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily replace and maintain a fixing roller or a fixing belt of a fixing unit that fixes a toner image related to image formation and forms a high-quality image at high speed. Became.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine the registration roller for matching the recording start point of the recording medium having a periodic abnormality related to the formation of the abnormal image, and it is possible to easily and reliably specify the registration roller. Therefore, it is possible to easily replace and maintain the registration rollers that match the recording start point of the recording medium, and to provide an image forming apparatus that forms a high-quality image at high speed.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine the drive roller that drives the abnormal portion having the periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image, and to easily and reliably identify the drive roller that drives the abnormal image formation. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily perform replacement and maintenance and can form a high-quality image at high speed.

According to the invention of claim 13, the determination of the driven roller which is driven to drive the abnormal point with a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image can be identified easily reliably easily performed, it is driven according to the formation of an abnormal image follower to be able to exchange and Menten'nansu the roller easily, it has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus for forming a high-quality image at high speed.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine the tension roller that applies the tension of the abnormal part having the periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image, and to easily and reliably specify the tension roller that applies the tension related to the formation of the abnormal image. to be able to exchange and Menten'nansu the roller easily, it has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus for forming a high-quality image at high speed.
According to the invention of claim 15, it reads the recorded image also serves as a document image reading unit instead of the recorded image reading means, easily parts and elements of abnormal point with a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image specific to, has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus which can easily perform replacement and Menten'nansu parts or elements of the locations involved in the formation of an abnormal image.
According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, instead of the recorded image reading means, the original image reading means is selectively used to read the recorded image, and the parts and elements of the abnormal part having periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image are obtained. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can be easily identified and that can easily replace and maintain parts and elements at locations related to abnormal image formation.
According to the invention of claim 17, reads the recorded image also serves selectively the original image reading means in place of the recorded image reading means with a simple structure, the abnormal point with a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily identify parts and elements, and can easily replace and maintain parts and elements at locations related to abnormal image formation.

According to the invention of claim 18, even when the periodicity cannot be specified with a single recording medium, the recorded image is read, and more parts and elements of the abnormal part having periodicity related to the formation of the abnormal image can be easily obtained. In particular, it has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily exchanging and maintaining parts and elements at locations related to abnormal image formation.
According to the invention of claim 19, reads the recorded image, the image bearing member abnormal point with a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image, because a warning display easily identify each time the moving object to another rotation, It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of more easily exchanging and maintaining an image carrier at a location related to the formation of an abnormal image and other rotating members that rotate.
According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, a recorded image is read to easily identify an abnormal image bearing member having a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image and a process cartridge having other rotating members that rotate. Provided is an image forming apparatus which can be easily performed by reducing the time required for replacement of an image carrier at a place related to abnormal image formation and a process cartridge having other rotating rotating bodies and maintenance repair time. I was able to do it.
According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a recorded image is read, and an abnormal image bearing member having a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image and a process cartridge having other rotating members that rotate are easily identified and warned. Since it is displayed, it is easier to replace an image carrier at a location related to the formation of an abnormal image and a removable process cartridge having other rotating members that rotate, thereby reducing maintenance time and making it easier. It is now possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can be used.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2, an image forming apparatus 0 that reads a recorded image formed on a recording medium to form an image forms an image on a recording sheet of a recording medium (P) based on the recording data. Unit 1, recorded image reading unit 2 that reads a recorded image formed on a recording medium (P) by image forming unit 1, read data read by recording image reading unit 2, and recording medium ( P) spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence judging means 3 for judging the presence / absence of periodicity of spot-like abnormal data detected by comparing the recorded data formed in (P). It is possible to easily identify an abnormal part or element having a periodicity related to formation, and to easily replace or maintain the part or element in a part related to the formation of an abnormal image.
The image forming apparatus 0, since the outer diameter of each time the moving object a plurality of rotating the image forming unit 1 are different, by reading the recorded image, each time moving body abnormal point with a periodicity related to the formation of an abnormal image identify the components and elements, replaced or Menten'nansu of the parts or elements of the locations involved in the formation of an abnormal image has become possible to easily perform.
The image forming apparatus 0 carries a recording image of toner formed by being rotatably held in an image forming unit 1 that forms a high-quality toner recording image at high speed on a recording medium (P) by an electrophotographic method. Since the image bearing member 1a includes a drum-shaped photosensitive drum 1a _{1 having} an outer diameter and a plurality of other rotating members different from the outer diameter of the image bearing member 1a, the recorded image is read and an abnormal image is obtained. The image carrier 1a having a periodicity related to the formation can be specified, and the image carrier 1a involved in the formation of the abnormal image can be easily replaced or maintained.

The image carrier 1a is rotatable in the black (Bk) image forming unit 1 (Bk) in the image forming unit 1 that forms a high-quality toner recording image on the recording medium (P) by electrophotography. Is held in.
The charging unit 1b is charged in contact with the surface of the image carrier 1a at the periphery of the image carrier 1a and applies a charge of predetermined polarity to the surface of the image carrier 1a at the periphery of the image carrier 1a. roller 1b _1, the image bearing member 1a by writing scanning the laser beam by the recording data of the document image read by the original image reading means 4 of the document being conveyed is placed on the automatic document feeder 6 (O) (L) Writing means 1c for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the toner, developing roller 1d ₁ of developing means 1d for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier 1a, and development of the developing means 1d The transfer roller 1e ₁ of the transfer means 1e for transferring and recording the recorded image of the toner visualized on the surface of the image carrier 1a by the roller 1d ₁ on the surface of the image carrier 1a, or a transfer (not shown) belt, a transfer roller 1e ₁ Cleaning means 1l for cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the image bearing member 1a after transfer, discharging device, not shown to neutralize the charge remaining on the surface of the image bearing member 1a after transfer is arranged at the transfer roller 1e ₁ Has been.
In the image forming unit 1 for forming a color image of the image forming apparatus 0, in addition to the process cartridge 1 ₀ black (Bk) process cartridges 1 _{0 a} of the black (Bk) image forming unit 1 (Bk), as illustrated In addition, cyan (C) image forming unit 1 (C) cyan (C) process cartridge 1 ₀ b, magenta (M) image forming unit 1 (M) magenta (M) process cartridge 1 ₀ c, yellow (Y) The yellow (Y) process cartridge 1 ₀ d of the image forming unit 1 (Y) is on the passage path of the conveying belt 1g ₁ of the conveying unit 1g that conveys the recording medium (P) on which the toner recording image is transferred and recorded. They are arranged in a predetermined narrow pitch spacing.
The black (Bk) image forming unit 1 (Bk), the cyan (C) image forming unit 1 (C), the magenta (M) image forming unit 1 (M), and the yellow (Y) image forming unit 1 (Y). Each toner container (not shown) for supplying black (Bk) toner, cyan (C) toner, magenta (M) toner, and yellow (Y) toner is disposed on the developing roller 1d ₁ of the developing unit 1d.

The recording medium (P) is fed by being guided by the conveying guide 7b from the paper feed roller 7a of the paper feeding device 7 from the conveying roller 1 g ₂ to the registration rollers 1h, from the registration roller 1h, black (Bk) image forming unit 1 (Bk), cyan (C) image forming unit 1 (C), is written to the image carriers 1a of magenta (M) image forming unit 1 (M), yellow (Y) image forming unit 1 (Y) The toner is fed onto the conveying belt 1g ₁ in accordance with the transfer timing of the toner with the recorded image.
The conveyor belt 1 g ₁ is driven rollers 1i, a driven roller 1j, and the conveying roller 1 g _2,, and is supported by the tension roller 1k, and, as the rotation speed becomes constant at the drive roller 1i is a driving device (not shown) And is rotated in the direction of the arrow (A) shown in the figure.
The recording medium (P) carried by the carrying belt 1g ₁ is carried by the image forming units 1 (Bk), 1 (C), 1 (M), and 1 (Y). After passing through the body 1a, recorded images of toner of each color are sequentially transferred and recorded on the recording medium (P), and then sent to a fixing roller 1f ₁ of the fixing unit 1f or a fixing belt (not shown).

The recording medium (P) has the spot-like abnormal data periodicity after the recorded image of the toner transferred and recorded is fixed by the fixing roller 1f ₁ of the fixing means 1f or a fixing belt (not shown). Presence / absence of periodicity of spot-like abnormal data detected by comparing the read data read by the recorded image reading means 2 with the recorded data formed on the recording medium (P) by the image forming unit 1 by the determining means 3 And the paper is discharged and stored in the paper discharge tray 9 by the discharge roller 8.
Actually, when there is an abnormality in a plurality of various rotating bodies having different outer diameters to be rotated, for example, when there are dents, coating film irregularities, coating film defects, etc. on the image carrier 1a, the recording medium A spot-like abnormal image appears in the recorded image formed in (P).
This spot-like abnormal image appears as an abnormal image formed periodically according to the rotation of the image carrier 1a.
Abnormal images can be broadly classified into streaks and spots, but abnormal images due to defects in the rollers and belts of the rotating body are often spot-like. The abnormal data periodicity presence / absence determining means 3 detects this abnormality.
The possibility of occurrence of non-periodic abnormalities for some reason includes toner spillage from the developing device of the developing means 1d, toner spillage from the cleaning means 1l, and the like.
Since these are not problems caused by the rollers and belts of the rotating body, they are not improved even if the rollers and belts of the rotating body are replaced.
The various rotating bodies having different outer diameters that rotate in the image forming unit 1 that forms a toner recording image on the recording medium (P) by the electrophotographic method are, for example, the image carrier 1a and the development that develops the latent image. Roller 1d ₁ , charging roller 1b ₁ , transfer roller 1e ₁ , transfer belt (not shown), fixing roller 1f ₁ , fixing belt (not shown), transport belt 1g ₁ , transport roller 1g ₂ , recording medium (P The registration roller 1h for adjusting the recording start point, the driving roller 1i to be driven, the driven roller 1j to be driven, the tension roller 1k for applying tension, and the like, are used to determine various rotating bodies that rotate abnormally. There has been made easy to perform.

The image forming apparatus 0 are either heal replace the process cartridge 1 ₀ that integrates various rotating body of different outer diameters rotates, heal replace the fixing roller 1f ₁ of the fixing means 1f ones or, if it is necessary to replace the transfer roller 1e ₁ of the transfer means 1e, etc. easily identify and, for example, the exchange of the process cartridge 1 ₀ available without any problem, be made to the user Can be easily prevented.
The spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence discriminating means 3 guides the recording medium (P) on which the recorded image of the toner formed by the image forming unit 1 is transferred and recorded to the recorded image reading means 2. The recorded image reading unit 2 reads the recorded image constantly or selectively with respect to all the recording media. In the case of a printer, the recording data to be recorded, the recording data reading data and the image obtained by reading the original image of the original (O) placed on the automatic original conveying device 6 and conveyed by the original image reading means 4. The read data formed on the recording medium (P) by the forming unit 1 is compared. Then, the position information of the spot-like abnormal image that is originally determined not to be formed on the recording medium (P) is stored, and then the position information of the plurality of spot-like abnormal images is compared, and the period Determine if there is sex. If it can be determined that there is periodicity, refer to a pre-stored data table relating to the outer diameter size, rotation period, etc. of the rotating rotating body roller, etc. Is identified.
In particular, since the image carrier 1a is most likely to cause an abnormal image, the outer diameter of the image carrier 1a is different from the outer diameter of other rotating members. It is easy to make a determination for reliably identifying the body 1a.
Of course, by specifying different outer diameters of the rollers and the like of all the rotating members, it is easy to easily identify all the rotating members of the rotating member that are abnormal to rotate.

Further, the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence discriminating means 3 may not be able to specify the periodicity of a single recording medium (P) on which the recording image of the toner formed by the image forming unit 1 is transferred and recorded. Therefore, in consideration of the recording paper interval of the recording medium (P) on which the recording image of the toner formed by the image forming unit 1 is transferred and recorded, the recording image reading unit 2 uses a plurality of recording media (P). The presence or absence of periodicity of spot-like abnormal data detected by comparing the read data read as a pseudo long recording medium (P) with the recording data formed on the recording medium (P) by the image forming unit 1 so that the it can be determined.
Therefore, even when the recording medium (P) cannot be identified with a single recording medium (P), the recorded image is read to easily identify more abnormal parts and elements with periodicity related to abnormal image formation. Thus, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus 0 that can easily replace and maintain parts and elements in more places related to abnormal image formation.
As shown in FIG. 2, the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence discriminating means 3 includes the read data read by the recorded image reading means 2 and the recorded data formed on the recording medium (P) by the image forming unit 1. Determine the presence or absence of periodicity of spot-like abnormal data detected by comparison, read the recorded image, identify the parts and elements of the periodic abnormalities related to the formation of the abnormal image, It is possible to easily replace and maintain parts and elements in the place related to formation.

At the start, the recording medium (P) on which the recorded image of the toner formed by the image forming unit 1 is transferred and recorded is guided to the recorded image reading means 2, and the recorded image is read always or selectively. (Step 1), magnification correction including alignment matching processing is performed (Step 2), and the read data read by the recording image reading means 2 and the recording data formed on the recording medium (P) by the image forming unit 1 it is judged whether or not there is an unexpected data by comparing (step 3), is terminated if no unexpected data, if unexpected data, stores the position information of the unexpected data (step 4) The position information of the stored unexpected data is compared (step 5), and the position information of the stored unexpected data is judged to be periodic (step 6) and stored. If the position information of the unexpected data is not periodic, the process ends. However, if the stored position information of the unexpected data is periodic, the table of outer diameters such as a roller or a roller of a rotating body stored in advance is stored. , The abnormally rotating roller of the rotating body or the like is specified (step 7), and the specified abnormally rotating roller of the rotating body or the like is displayed on the display unit 10a of the operation panel 10 as a warning ( step 8), ends at the end.
In this way, with respect to the spot-like abnormal image in which the rotating body roller or the like is specified, the rotating body roller or the like that rotates abnormally from the periodicity is specified, and the rotating body roller or the like that rotates abnormally With the warning display, it is possible to easily promote the replacement.
At this time, the image forming apparatus 0, the because of the use of the process cartridge 1 _0, the image bearing member 1a, detachable the process cartridge 1 comprising a roller or the like each time the moving body to other rotating with abnormal yourself The warning display of ₀ enables replacement more easily, and maintenance repair time can be reduced.
Otherwise, the cause is known, and there is an advantage that the time required for repair can be greatly reduced.

3 and 4, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the yellow (Y) process cartridge 1 ₀ d in the yellow (Y) image forming unit 1 (Y). Bk) The image forming unit 1 (Bk), the cyan (C) image forming unit 1 (C), the magenta (M) image forming unit 1 (M), the black (Bk) process cartridge 10 ₀ a, the cyan ( C) the process cartridge 1 _{0 b,} since a respective same construction applies to the magenta (M) process cartridge 1 _{0 c,} the description thereof is omitted.
The yellow (Y) process cartridge 1 ₀ d includes a photoreceptor unit 1 ₀ dA and a developing unit 1 ₀ dB.
The photoreceptor unit 1 ₀ dA has the same configuration as the photoreceptor cartridge 1 ₀ dC shown in FIG.
The developing unit ₁ 0 dB, the above and developing roller 1d ₁ disposed so as to partially expose from the opening of the developing case 1d _2, conveying screw 1d _3, conveying screw 1d _4, doctor blade 1d _5, the toner density sensor 1d ₆ is provided, and the toner is supplied from the toner container 1d ₇ by the powder pump 1d ₈ .

The developing case 1d ₂ contains a two-component developer containing a magnetic carrier and a negatively charged toner.
The two-component developer is frictionally charged while being agitated and conveyed by the conveying screw 1d ₃ and the conveying screw 1d ₄ and then carried on the surface of the developing roller 1d ₁ .
Then, after the layer thickness is regulated by the developing doctor 1d ₅ , the layer is conveyed to the developing position facing the image carrier 1a, where toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 1a. .
By this adhesion, a recorded image of a predetermined color toner is formed on the image carrier 1a.
The two-component developer that has consumed toner by development is returned to the developing case 1d _{2 as the} developing roller 1d ₁ rotates.
The toner concentration of the two-component developer in the developing case 1d ₂ is detected by the toner concentration sensor 1d ₆ , and the toner is supplied from the toner storage container 1d ₇ by the powder pump 1d ₈ as necessary. It is like that.
In the yellow (Y) process cartridge 1 ₀ d, holes provided in the flanges at both ends of the image carrier 1 a are used as the positioning main reference portion 1 a as a reference when the cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body 0 a of the image forming apparatus 0. ₂ are provided on the frame 0b with positioning reference portions (not shown) on the front side and the back side, respectively, and when the photosensitive cartridge 1 ₀ dC is mounted on the apparatus main body 0a, the main reference thereof is provided. The photoconductor cartridge 1 ₀ dC can be reliably positioned at a predetermined mounting position by the engaging portion of the positioning reference portion (not shown) provided on the body 1 a and the portion 1 a ₂ .
The image bearing member 1a forms a transfer nip as a transfer position in contact with the conveyor belt 1 g ₁ of the transfer means 1e this the disposed below.

In FIG. 5, in the image forming apparatus 0, a recording medium conveyance guide for selectively conveying a recording medium (P) on which a toner recording image is formed by the image forming unit 1 to the reading position of the document image reading means 4. By providing the means 5, the original image reading means 4 can be selectively used in place of the recorded image reading means 2.
The recording medium conveyance guide means 5 changes the conveyance direction of the recording medium (P) on which the recording image of the toner is formed by the image forming unit 1 by rotating the switching claw 5a in the direction of the arrow (B) shown in the figure. sheet discharge Ray 9, or a simple structure to the reading position of the document image reading unit 4, optionally, is adapted to be easily switched.
In the image forming apparatus 0, the case of a tandem type color laser printer has been described. However, the image forming apparatus 0 can also be applied to a monochrome laser printer or the like including a set of toner image forming units using black toner.
It is also applicable to other image forming devices such as copiers, facsimile machines, printers, and multifunction machines of these types that transfer a toner image to a recording medium (P) via an intermediate transfer member carrying an image. it can.
The image carrier 1a has been described as an example. Needless to say, the image carrier 1a can also be used for a photosensitive belt, a transfer belt, an intermediate transfer body belt, and a cylindrical rotational drive device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the main part of the image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view for explaining another main part of the image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view for explaining another main part of the image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a main part of an image forming apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

0 image forming apparatus, 0a body, 0b frame 1 image forming unit, _{1 0} the process _{cartridge, 1} 0 a black (Bk) process _cartridges, 1 0 aA photoconductor _unit, 1 0 aB developing _unit, 1 0 aC photosensitive member cartridge, 1 ₀ b Cyan (C) process cartridge, 1 ₀ bA photoreceptor unit, 1 ₀ bB development unit, 1 ₀ bC photoreceptor cartridge, 1 ₀ c Magenta (M) process cartridge, 1 ₀ cA photoreceptor unit, 1 ₀ cB a developing _unit, 1 0 cC photosensitive member _{cartridge, 1} 0 d yellow (Y) process _cartridge, 1 0 dA photoconductor _unit, 1 0 dB developing _unit, 1 0 dC photosensitive member cartridge, 1 (Bk) black (Bk) image forming 1 (C) Cyan (C) Image forming unit, 1 (M) Magenta M) image forming unit, 1 (Y) yellow (Y) image forming unit 1a image bearing member, 1a ₁ photosensitive drum, 1a ₂ main reference portion, 1b charging means, 1b ₁ charging roller, 1c writing means, 1d developing means 1d ₁ developing roller, 1d ₂ developing case, 1d ₃ conveying screw, 1d ₄ conveying screw, 1d ₅ developing doctor, 1d ₆ toner concentration sensor, 1d ₇ toner storage container, 1d ₈ powder pump, 1e transfer means, 1e ₁ Transfer roller, 1f fixing unit, 1f ₁ fixing roller, 1g conveying unit, 1g ₁ conveying belt, 1g ₂ conveying roller, 1h registration roller, 1i driving roller, 1j driven roller, 1k tension roller, 1l cleaning unit, 2 recording image reading Means, 3 spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence judging means, 4 document image reading means, 5 recording medium conveyance guiding means, 5 Switching claw, 6 automatic document feeder, 7 sheet feeder, 7a feed roller, 7b conveying guide, 8 discharge roller, 9 tray, 10 operation panel, 10a display unit

Claims (21)

  In an image forming apparatus that reads a recorded image formed on a recording medium and forms an image, an image forming unit that forms the recording image on the recording medium based on the recording data, and the image forming unit formed on the recording medium Recorded image reading means for reading a recorded image; Spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence determination for comparing the read data read by the recorded image reading means and the recorded data to determine the presence / absence of periodicity of spot-like abnormal data And an image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a plurality of rotating bodies having different outer diameters.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms a recorded image of toner on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an image forming unit that forms a toner recording image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method carries a toner recording image that is rotatably held. An image forming apparatus comprising: a body; and a plurality of other rotating bodies that are different from the outer diameter of the image carrier.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating body is a rotating body having a different outer diameter.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating body is a developing roller of developing means for developing the latent image.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the other rotating body is a charging roller of charging means for charging.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating body is a transfer roller or a transfer belt of a transfer unit that transfers a recorded image of the toner. apparatus.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating body is a fixing roller or a fixing belt of fixing means for fixing the toner image. apparatus.   10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating member is a conveying belt or a conveying roller of a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium. Image forming apparatus.   11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating body is a registration roller that aligns a recording start point of a recording medium. Image forming apparatus.   12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other rotating body is a driving roller that drives the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 or 12, other rotation to the rotating body, the image forming apparatus which is a driven roller which is driven .   14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein the other rotating body is a tension roller that applies tension. Image forming apparatus.   15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording medium conveyance guide unit that conveys a recording medium on which a recording image is formed by the image forming unit to a reading position of the document image reading unit. An image forming apparatus.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recording medium conveyance guide unit selectively guides and conveys the recording medium on which the recording image is formed by the image forming unit to the reading unit of the document image reading unit. An image forming apparatus.   17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recording medium conveyance guide unit includes a switching claw that selectively switches a conveyance direction of the recording medium.   18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence determining unit reads a plurality of recording media as a pseudo long recording medium by the recording image reading unit. image forming apparatus characterized by determining the presence or absence of periodicity of reading data and the spot-like abnormal data detected by comparing the recording data formed on the recording medium by the image forming unit has.   19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence discriminating means carries an abnormal toner image formed to be held rotatably. An image forming apparatus that displays a warning for each other rotating body that rotates.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the spot-like abnormal data periodicity presence / absence determining means includes an image carrier that carries a toner image that is held in an abnormally rotatable manner, Alternatively, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that a warning is displayed for a process cartridge having each other rotating body that rotates.   20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the process cartridge is detachable from the apparatus main body.

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